Russia round-up: Lokomotiv denied by Shinnik

FC Lokomotiv Moskva dropped two vital points as they were held to a 0-0 draw at FC Shinnik Yaroslavl in a busy schedule of Russian Premier-Liga action.

Julio Cesar debut
Lokomotiv could not find their tempo after a fine 2-0 away victory over Grazer AK in the UEFA Champions League, despite the fact that coach Yuri Semin handed a top-flight debut to Brazilian striker Julio Cesar.

Sokol face relegation
Meanwhile in Moscow, FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva beat FC Sokol Saratov 2-0, sending their opponents spiralling towards relegation. A goal from Dmitry Smirnov and a Oleg Kornaukhov penalty now mean that it will take a miracle for Sokol to stay in the first division.

Gusev free-kick
In Saturday games, PFC CSKA Moskva remain in contention for the title after winning an important away game against SC Rotor Volgograd 1-0. Rolan Gusev's fantastic free-kick on 14 minutes put the army side in the lead and the CSKA defence stood firm to repel Rotor's offensive advances. The fate of the game was decided when the hosts' captain Valery Esipov was dismissed on 80 minutes, and CSKA are now seven points behind leaders FC Spartak Moskva with three games at hand, while Lokomotiv are level on points with Spartak, but have a game at hand.

Chizov back in action
Elsewhere, FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast, who welcomed goalkeeper Valery Chizhov back from a long-term injury, routed FC Uralan Elista 5-2. Uralan took the early lead through Serhiy Semochko's penalty but Saturn equalized just six minutes later, also from the penalty spot, as Serghey Rogaciov converted.

Surging Saturn
Saturn, however, then dominated proceedings, and Prince Amoako, Samir Muratovic and Rogaciov put the Ramenskoye side further in the lead. Vladimir Kazakov scored for Uralan to make it 4-2, but Alexey Medvedev had the final word as Saturn surged to victory.

Semshov on target
FC Torpedo Moskva beat FC Anzhi Makhachkala by a single goal from Igor Semshov, and FC Krylya Sovetov Samara beat FC Rostselmash Rostov-Na-Donu 3-0, Marius Poskus, Andrey Karyaka and Andrey Tikhonov sealing the victory for Samara side.